American Guns - American Guns

American Guns is a reality television series that aired on the Discovery Channel. The series centers on the blended family where patriarch Rich Wyatt, his wife Renee, and his step-children run Gunsmoke Guns, located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. They specialize in gun manufacture, trade, customization, and instruction.

On December 17, 2012, Discovery announced the cancellation of the series.

Staff

Wyatt Family

• Rich Wyatt â€" Founder/Owner, Firearms Instructor
• Renee Wyatt â€" Co-Owner, Business Manager, Rich's wife
• Kurt â€" Engraver, Sales Associate, Firearms Instructor
• Paige â€" Sales Associate

Rich and Renee have 2 younger children who are not involved in the show due to their age.

Gunsmiths & Sales Team

• Brian Meidal â€" Head Gunsmith
• Gary â€" Gunsmith/Welder
• Joe â€" Machinist
• Jon â€" Gunsmith/Painter
• Scott â€" Gunsmith/Custom Rifle Builder
• Bob â€" Gun Historian
• Ben â€" Sales Associate
• Chris â€" Machinist, Sales Associate
• Brian â€" Sales Associate
• Doug - Machinist

Episodes

Two seasons have gone to air.

Reception

The New York Times reviewed the show in the wake of the 2012 Aurora shooting, examining the American fascination with firearms. They described the show as combining the "haggling of Pawn Stars, the over-the-top customizing of American Chopper and a healthy dose of cleavage in a peppy package that resembles a hundred other small-business-based reality shows, except that the business in this case is the sale of deadly weapons". The reviewer notes that although some may be uncomfortable with the easy availability of guns in America, the audience of over 1 million viewers does not seem to have any such qualms.

Ratings

The season 2 premiere (April 26, 2012) drew strong ratings, up 50% on the season 1 premiere.

Cancellation and controversy

On December 17, 2012, Discovery announced the cancellation of the series. Discovery said the decision had been made earlier, it was only announced in December. A spokesperson said "Discovery Channel chose not to renew the series and has no plans to air repeats of the show." The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is thought to have played a part in the decision.

Additionally, in March 2013 Gunsmoke Guns was served a search warrant for the premises by the Internal Revenue Service as "part of an ongoing financial investigation" that had been underway for several years according to an agency spokesperson. This took place shortly after a reported February 27 burglary where twelve handguns and three rifles were stolen by thieves who broke in through the roof of the shop.

There was also speculation in the press that the IRS investigation was the result of Gunsmoke operator Rich Wyatt's remarks regarding pending Colorado legislation regarding gun purchase and ownership.

In the last episode of season one, a man identified later as Wylie Newton attempted to sell an antique Colt pistol that had been stolen from a museum in New Mexico. A fan of the show that was familiar with the robbery recognized the gun and alerted authorities.

Music

The opening theme music is “Tallahassee” performed by Swamp Cabbage.